Hi, We already have an exchange 2007 server in production and we would like to bring an additional server online. This would be configured exactly the same as the existing one. The plan is to move all mailboxes and public folders to the new box and retain the existing one for use with SCR, thus making the new box the primary, to which all mail would be routed. My question is that when we install exchange on the new server, will it detect the exsitance of the current server. Additionally, would this install process affect and or cause interuptions to production operations. Are there any know issues that I should watch for or be aware of during the install process? Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi Yes, it will find the other server and they will communicate with each other if everything went well :) And i will not interrupt anything with your production server. A tip, make a checklist with all things that should be done before you start doing anything. Including firewall rules, dns changes, mail routing, certificate etc. Jonas Andersson MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuration | MCITP: EMA | MCSE/MCSA Blog: http://www.testlabs.se/blog

Hi Jonas, Thank you for your reply. Prior to install, would I still need to run PrepareSchema and PrepareAD. Thanks

Hi No, you don't need that, it's already prepared since you already got one 2007 :) Jonas Andersson MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuration | MCITP: EMA | MCSE/MCSA Blog: http://www.testlabs.se/blog

Hi Jonas, How can I check which roles are installed. I can see the HT, MB and CA. I just want to be sure there are no others installed before I start the install. I would also like to proceed with this proces over a period of time. For example, do the install and gradually move over the mailboxes, not all at once, using the current server as the main for a while and the new as a mailboxes store. Is this possible or do I have to do the whole lot in one hit. Thanks again

Hi You can check this in the Exchange Management Console or by using control panel by checking Programs and features, select Exchange and choose change. That depends... ;-) How many users do you got? And how much maildata do you got?Jonas Andersson MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuration | MCITP: EMA | MCSE/MCSA Blog: http://www.testlabs.se/blog

Hi Jonas, We have approximately 60 users. The public store db is about 3.5gb and the mailbox db is about 26gb. Thanks

I would do that over a weekend, but that's my opinion.. When doing it, make sure that certificates, firewall rules, send and recieve connectors are properly configured then there should be no problem :-) Jonas Andersson MCTS: Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuration | MCITP: EMA | MCSE/MCSA Blog: http://www.testlabs.se/blog